Meridian’s expertise is most evident when you connect via the provided app and explore its available adjustments. It typically starts with bass and treble, then transitions to image focus, which acts as dispersion control. You can modify phase and placement before moving on to the ‘Bass & Space’ and ‘Image Elevation’ options. The former functions as an advanced loudness control, offering three levels of application above the default, while the latter allows you to adjust the presentation according to the height difference from your listening position. 

The power of ‘off’

The most notable thing you can do with these functions is turn each one of them off; something no other competitor allows. This means you can start with a clean slate tailored to your needs, rather than depending on a manufacturer’s idea of what you require. It represents a very different approach compared to anything else in the category.

The Meridian’s network hardware is fairly comprehensive, if not class-leading. It connects over wired and wireless and can stream PCM to 192kHz. Tidal and Spotify Connect are supported, along with Google Cast, AirPlay, Bluetooth, Roon, and various third-party apps to access a local library. This is backed up by USB audio input and a combined optical and analogue input on a 3.5mm socket connection. The lack of HDMI ARC is mystifying, as almost all products the Meridian competes against are so equipped. 

Visually, the Meridian is subtle, almost to the point of dullness. However, the more time you spend with it, the more you appreciate the care and attention that have gone into it. It’s fastidiously made, and the control panel on the top of the unit is very nicely implemented. There is no arguing that £1,900 is a lot of money, though. 

Justification

The Ellipse goes a long way in justifying the price tag once you start listening. The most impressive demonstration of its capabilities occurs when you select a piece of music you know well and start with every DSP setting turned off or otherwise disengaged. I chose Coldcut’s Sound Mirrors [Ninja Tune] as an intriguing mix of electronic heft and well-crafted vocals. To begin with, ‘Walk A Mile In My Shoes’ feels constrained and a bit flat. The bass is limited, and the sound seems as if it’s being beamed at you. Nevertheless, the tonality and overall cohesion of what you hear are notable.

Start turning on the bells and whistles; in my case, the bass and treble remain flat, but the image focus is adjusted wider by two points. Bass & Space is set to Medium, and even though I’m at the same height as the Ellipse when seated, the Min Image Elevation setting was also applied, leading to dramatic improvements. Without any perceived increase in processing, the Meridian sounds bigger, more spacious, and much more potent; those watts truly go a long way. The company’s confidence in its software is well-founded. 

This ability is consistently effective across lossless and high-resolution streaming, including Spotify and using the Meridian with the BBC Sounds app via Google Cast. It will clearly indicate when the signal being sent is somewhat lacking, but it does so in such a gentle manner that the result is always listenable. This makes it an exceptionally capable all-rounder that responds brilliantly to nearly any signal you send it. Aside from an initial hiccup in getting my iPad to communicate via AirPlay, which required a restart, it has also been unconditionally stable.

Spread wider

This range of capabilities would be even broader if the Meridian weren’t such a hassle to use with a TV. The Ellipse requires the app to be open in order to select the optical input and control the volume, or you have to resort to the control panel on top. An optional IR remote is available, but at a price of no less than £300, I doubt many people will bother. HDMI ARC would elevate the Ellipse to a true multifunction device, but that doesn’t appear to be in the works. It’s disappointing because the sonic performance with a Philips OLED was genuinely outstanding.  

Aside from the fumble, there is a lot to appreciate here. Meridian’s well-developed expertise results in the most sonically capable single-chassis wireless speaker I believe I have ever tested. If you don’t require the Ellipse to work with a flatscreen, I can’t think of anything in this form factor that comes close to it. There are frustrations in that it could still be improved, but Meridian’s entry into the wireless speaker market is quite impressive. 

Specs & Pricing

Inputs: Internal streaming source, 1 x USB-C supporting sampling rates up to 192kHz @ 24-bit, 1 x mini-TOSLINK optical supporting sampling rates up to 96kHz @ 24 bit, Stereo analogue with 88kHz/24bit A/D conversion (Optical and analogue share dual-purpose 3.5mm minijack socket)
Control: Illuminated touch controls, Meridian Control app via Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection, IR receiver eye (MSR2 remote control available separately), automation interface via Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection
SPL: 100dB@1m (pink noise source)
Frequency response in room within 3dB: 40Hz – 20kHz (volume setting 65)
Amplification: 2 x 25W for full-range drivers, 1 x 30W for subwoofer driver
Drivers: 2 x 90mm polypropylene wide-range drivers, 1 x 150mm x 100mm polypropylene long-throw “racetrack” subwoofer driver
Crossover frequency: 180Hz
Wi-Fi: Dual band – 2.4GHz and 5GHz compatible
Dimensions (WxDxH): 41.2×22.3×17.1cm
Weight: 3.9kg
Price: £1,900, $3,000, €2,199

Manufacturer: Meridian Audio
www.meridian-audio.com